Garlic bread is a delicious side dish that’s a favorite at any dinner table. Its crispy exterior and buttery, garlicky center make it an irresistible accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, or simply as a tasty snack. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your taste with optional add-ins like cheese or herbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (adjust according to your taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the loaf of bread in half horizontally. If preferred, you can also cut it into individual slices for easier serving.
- Make the Garlic Butter:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
- If using, add the finely chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture, stirring to combine.
- Spread the Butter:
- Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a consistent flavor.
- Bake the Bread:
- Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, buttered side up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the edges are crispy.
- Optional Broiling:
- For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
- Cut into slices or serve as halves. Enjoy your homemade garlic bread while it’s warm and delicious!